Matariki signifies the Maori New Year and is the Maori name for a small cluster of stars known as the Pleiades that become visible during the winter months. Each year, events take place all across New Zealand to celebrate Matariki and this year, the Picton Yacht Club Hotel is supporting the Matariki Festival Picton by […]

As the nights start to get lighter and the daffodils begin to bloom, the winter gloom starts to lift all around New Zealand. The spring months are the perfect time to plan a little weekend getaway and Rotorua is a great place to visit at this time of year. With temperatures starting to rise, Rotorua […]

Whilst it might have a way to go to catch Queenstown as the adventure capital of New Zealand (and possibly the world!), there is still plenty going on in Rotorua for the thrill-seekers out there. Whether it’s bungy jumping, zorbing, white water rafting or maybe something a bit different like the Shweeb, Rotorua has a […]

If you are staying at one of our two Rotorua hotels, then a trip to the Rotorua Night Market should be on your trip itinerary. Held every Thursday night (weather permitting), the Rotorua Night Market is one of Rotorua’s great local markets. Held In the heart of Tutanekai Street – Rotorua’s ‘Eat Street’, the market […]

In our series looking at some of the best places to play golf if you are staying at one of our seven hotels around New Zealand, we move to Rotorua. Rotorua is not as well known for its golf courses as it is for the geothermal attractions and adventures activities in the city but who […]

If you are looking for a proper family day out, there are few better places in New Zealand than Skyline Rotorua. Whilst Rotorua is jam-packed with geo-thermal attractions, these can sometimes get a bit tedious for the younger family members (and a bit smelly) so if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, then […]

  The Rotorua Bike Festival is New Zealand’s biggest biking event and for 10 days, the whole city is taken over by biking enthusiasts from the hardcore downhillers to the long distance road bikers. This year’s event will take place from the 10-19 February and we can once again expect hundreds to descend on Rotorua […]

With Christmas just over one month away, it’s that time of year when towns and cities across the country start to get into the festive spirit with their Santa Parades, Christmas Markets and more. If you’re staying with us in one of our hotels in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Picton or Dunedin over the coming weeks, […]

‘What’s that you say, a beer festival? Don’t mind if I do!’ We love that summer is just around the corner as that means one thing – the start or beer and wine festival season! There is nothing quite a like a proper New Zealand beer or wine festival and the Okere Falls Beer Festival […]

Rotorua is an awesome place and we love it. There is so much to see and do here that you will never be short on ideas and opportunities to try something new. Whether you go and explore the geo thermal wonderland at Wai-O-Tapu, relax in the thermal waters of the Polynesian Spa or maybe whizz […]